To analyze the influencing factors of the success of redo surgery due to anastomotic fistula or anastomotic recurrence after rectal cancer surgery and to evaluate the anal function of patients

Redo surgery is a critical salvage strategy for anastomotic complications or local recurrence following rectal cancer resection. Despite technical feasibility, functional outcomes remain suboptimal. This study evaluated intestinal continuity restoration and anal function recovery after redo surgery, alongside prognostic factors influencing outcomes. A retrospective multicenter study analyzed 143 patients undergoing redo surgery (2015-2023) for anastomotic failure or local recurrence. Primary endpoints included anatomical restoration of intestinal continuity, while secondary endpoints assessed functional outcomes using the LARS score.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Prior curative resection for primary colorectal adenocarcinoma.
• Subsequent reoperation for anastomotic failure or locoregional recurrence.
• Absence of absolute contraindications to reoperative surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Primary tumors located proximal to the sigmoid colon.
• Radiologically confirmed distant metastases.
• Presence of a permanent stoma at the time of questionnaire administration.
• Insufficient literacy or cognitive function to complete study-related -questionnaires.

This retrospective, multicenter study analyzed data from a prospectively maintained redo surgery registry spanning March 2015 to March 2023. Patients were recruited from Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences,Sun Yat-sen University Sixth Affiliated Hospital and Yifu Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University.